Christine dans Deux

An Alternate Multiverse – A Phantom of the Opera Story

Nyasia A. Maire

© 2006

DISCLAIMER: See Chapter One
 Chapter Seventy-Four – As Granted

Once again, I find that in my anticipation of hearing my former pupil perform, I overlooked the one person with whom I am closest, my wife. The last several weeks I spent every waking moment working with Christine to prepare her to audition for the role of Lakmé. Not once did I consider that my dear heart might wish for me to work with her. The thought had not even crossed my mind and, while I am proud of her, I am ashamed of myself.

This is not the first time that her ability caught me off-guard. However, I determine to make it the last time.

The first time I noticed her lovely voice was the ill-fated afternoon of her assault by M. Gille. I attempt to console myself that his attack on her person diverted my attention away from her voice, but I can make no excuse for my behavior now.

I watch as she receives praise from the previously unseen men in the audience: Léo Delibes; the managers of the opera house, Messieurs Barnabe Erickson and Bartolommeo Donato; and Edmond Gondinet. Fortunately, Phillipe Gille is not in attendance this afternoon, however, I have seen him skulking about the backstage on several previous occasions. I am unsure as to whether or not he is aware that Christine and I have wed. I can only hope for all of our sakes that the man is not foolish enough to lay hands on my wife again.

Shaking off the unpleasant thoughts, I return to observing my wife. She appears genuinely surprised at the attention her audition has garnered. I can feel a quiet pride and deeply satisfied pleasure emanating from her. Strangely, at least to my mind, I feel no hurt, no jealousy from her. I am saddened to think of her voice relegated to the chorus so many times that she had long ago accepted it as her due. The greatness of her voice taken as granted, not gift.

"I see no need for further auditions."

Those words snap me from my reverie and I focus my attention on the group, curious as to the identity of the person who spoke them. I smile.

♥○♫○♪○♫○♥

"I should have known."

Léo lumbering over to Christine brings to my mind thoughts of a giant bear and a tiny ballerina dancing together. He places his beefy hand on her delicate shoulder, as he turns to face the small assembly his hand directs Christine towards the group.

"I see no need to look any further. Here is our Lakmé! Mademoiselle Christine Maire!"

There is scattered applause and several shouts of "Huzzah!" I watch in astonishment as Christine begins frantically shaking her head and she removes Léo's hand from her shoulder. She begins to back away from the crowd, her head still shaking and raising her hands as if to ward off the crowd.

"No." She speaks softly then clears her throat before continuing. "No. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, but it was never my intention to audition for the part of Lakmé. I would be content with the role of Mallika." She looks at Léo. "Truly … please?"

A sudden insight into my wife's dilemma flares into my mind. She is uncomfortable here for three reasons: one is M. Gille, two is the opera ghost and three is her empathy. I curse all three for causing her hurt and denying the world the gift of her voice.

The bemused big bear of a man looks down at the diminutive woman and smiles wryly.

"If that is what you wish, ma petit. Consider it done." With a flourish, he performs a courtly bow.

She nods and flashes him a brilliant smile of thanks. He gently releases her arm and turns away. Our eyes meet. He gives a small shake of his head.

"Such a shame! She is perfect for Lakmé. She has a youthful appearance and is the right height, weight and voice for the role. Most lyric coloraturas are of a more mature age than Christine." He pauses. "So, do we have any other candidates to audition for Lakmé?"

"One … Christine Daae. She is available to audition now. I thought it best as we are all here and we will not have to struggle with our schedules again. Would you like me to fetch her?"

"That would be best, but Erik, you do not need to fetch her."

The man swings his head about as he searches the shadows.

"Ahhh! Jeffrey, my good fellow, please fetch Ms. Daae from her dressing room. Would you inform her that we are ready for her audition, so she should bring her audition piece?"

The young man saunters off the stage heading in the direction of Christine's dressing room and at the same time, another man smirks as he watches from the shadows ….